What’s the best Tulsa Coworking Space?
Not all coworking spaces are created equal.
Some are built for startups. Some cater to corporate teams. Some are just glorified coffee shops with Wi-Fi.
To save you from picking the wrong one, here are the top 7 mistakes to avoid when choosing a coworking space, plus a breakdown of how Catalyst Coworking stacks up against Wompa, The Root, and 36 Degrees North in Tulsa.
1. Not Researching or Testing the Space First
One of the worst mistakes people make is signing a lease without spending time in the space.
Some coworking spaces are designed for remote tech workers who come and go (like 36 Degrees North, which is full of out-of-state Tulsa Remote members thanks to the Kaiser Foundation). Others are overflow workspaces for big companies (like The Root, where entire corporate teams rent out large sections).
If you’re a small business owner, you might feel like a ghost in those spaces, surrounded by people not looking to network or collaborate.
Avoid this by testing the space out before committing. At Catalyst Coworking, we offer your first month for $1 so you can try it risk-free. That way, you can experience our awesome network of small entrepreneurs.
I’d also ask for a breakdown of the amenities offered. Some spaces charge extra for meeting rooms and high-speed Wi-Fi (like The Root and 36 Degrees North). Others, like Catalyst, include them.
2. Focusing Only on the Cheapest Price
Some people choose the cheapest option without asking why it’s so cheap.
For example, in Tulsa:
- Wompa has some of the lowest-priced coworking in Tulsa, but it’s in an industrial park 20+ minutes outside the city that no one knows about. Not exactly convenient.
- The Root’s budget memberships only allow 8 visits per month, so if you need a daily workspace, you’ll end up paying way more.
- 36 Degrees North offers free memberships to Tulsa Remote participants, but if you’re a local, you’re paying $325/month for a dedicated desk surrounded by an inconsistent community.
At Catalyst Coworking, we built an affordable space without cutting corners. Our unlimited access plan is $77/month.
That is way cheaper than The Root and Wompa’s comparable plans, while including better amenities, a thriving network of entrepreneurs, and kick butt coffee.
3. Ignoring Location and Commute
If it takes 30+ minutes to get to your coworking space, you’ll stop going.
Wompa is the biggest offender here: it’s located way outside Tulsa, which means every trip takes extra time. If you need to meet clients, they won’t want to make the drive.
That’s not even including the extra time with congestion.
But imagine if it were only 5 minutes, like Catalyst Coworking.
We’re located right off the highway in Midtown Tulsa, next to Cherry Street and Lewis, making it easy to commute from anywhere in the city for you and your clients. Plus, parking is free and abundant, unlike some coworking spaces like The Root, which has 10 parking spaces for a max capacity of 80 clients (the math doesn’t math here).
4. Not Checking Internet Speed and Amenities
Some coworking spaces advertise “high-speed internet” but don’t deliver.
Others limit access to meeting rooms, printing, or even basic workspace availability unless you pay extra.
Take The Root, for example.
Their “warm desk” plan costs $100/month, but you only get eight visits per month. Their “hot desk” plan is $200/month for unlimited access, but Wi-Fi speeds are capped unless you upgrade. A dedicated desk is $325/month (nearly $100 more than Catalyst’s dedicated desk plan).
Wompa follows a similar pattern.
Their “chill membership” (two visits per week) costs $77/month, which is the same price Catalyst charges for unlimited access. If you want full-time access at Wompa, it’s $200/month, more than double Catalyst’s unlimited plan.
At Catalyst Coworking, we give members unlimited visits and full amenities at a better price.
- Basic membership ($77/month) gives you unlimited access. No cap on visits.
- Premium membership ($177/month) includes private meeting rooms, premium Wi-Fi (250 Mbps), and all business resources.
Before signing up anywhere, ask what’s included, or you could end up paying more for less.
5. Neglecting the Coworking Community
Every coworking space will advertise how they have a great community, which you should take advantage of; just know you are going to have a vastly different experience in each.
36 Degrees North is mostly Tulsa Remote participants. If you’re a local, you might feel out of place.
The Root and Wompa lean heavily toward corporate overflow workspaces. If you’re a solopreneur, you won’t get much interaction. Wompa is also cannabis friendly, which may or may not be your cup of tea.
At Catalyst Coworking, we focus on individual entrepreneurs and small companies. Our clients actually want to network with you and help you grow, and our coffee shop acts as a lead magnet for non-clients that you can benefit from.
6. Not Setting a Work Routine or Goals
Even if you pick the perfect coworking space, it won’t magically make you productive.
A lot of people make the mistake of treating coworking like a coffee shop. They show up without a plan, get distracted, and end up wasting time.
Here’s how to fix that:
- Arrive with a plan. What gets scheduled gets done, so put it in a Motion doc or on paper and do it.
- Schedule deep work sessions. At Catalyst, we have silent rooms where you can focus without distractions.
- Use coworking to structure your day. Work in focused blocks, take breaks to network or grab a cup of coffee, and use the environment to boost your productivity.
Most successful coworking members treat it like an office, not a lounge.
7. Not Utilizing Included Amenities and Opportunities
If a coworking space is hosting a networking meetup, go to it.
If you have high-speed internet and printing capabilities, or your coworking gives free weekly business advice like Catalyst, or has a coffee shop, take advantage of it all.
Doing so will unlock new profit and relationship opportunities for you.
Every time you have to get up and go to the printer, it is a small opportunity to have a conversation with someone. Any time you use a silent booth, you will unlock deeper work that scales your business faster.
If your coworking space has these kinds of opportunities and you use them, it will pay you back in droves.
Which Coworking Space Is Right for You?
If you’re in the Tulsa area, here’s a quick breakdown of the top coworking spaces and how they compare:
Coworking Space | Strengths | Weaknesses | Price |
Catalyst Coworking | Best for entrepreneurs & small businesses, prime location, strong network, great coffee | No corporate overflow | $77-$227/mo |
36 Degrees North | Free for Tulsa Remote members | Expensive for locals ($325/mo desk), no community | $200-$325/mo |
The Root | Corporate-friendly, large teams | Charges extra for amenities, limited access, 0 parking | $100-$325/mo |
Wompa | Huge space, event-friendly | Remote location, industrial park setting | $77-$200/mo |
If you’re serious about growing your business and want the best Tulsa coworking space that helps you succeed, then Catalyst Coworking is your best choice.
Your first month is just $1, so you can try it risk-free.
Click here to book a tour and see why Catalyst is the best Tulsa coworking space.
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